Former Still Creek man celebrates 100th birthday

Joseph DeMaria of Hometown, formerly of Hazleton, celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday. He was born on March 23, 1911 in Kelayres.

A current resident of the Hometown Nursing Center, DeMaria also previously resided in Still Creek with his daughter, Judy, and her husband, Wayne Postupack.

He is a son of the late Ignazio and Domenica (Cerami) DeMaria.

The youngest of the seven DeMaria siblings (four brothers and three sisters), he is the last immediate member of the family.

In addition to his daughter Judy, he had a stepdaughter, the late Gloria Olsen of Florida.

DeMaria has three grandchildren: Taryn, Mykel and Samantha Postupack; a great-grandson, Kaiden Postupack; and two stepgrandsons, James and Robert Pohida.

A birthday party was held at the home of his daughter and son-in-law.

In honor of the occasion, the centenarian was also presented with a congratulatory citation by state Rep. Jerry Knowles.

DeMaria also received congratulatory letters from U.S. Congressman Tim Holden and President Barack Obama.